Chapter 6 #3
“That’s right. You didn’t go to a coed school.
Let’s put it this way. Even in a place as small as the Bay, you’ve got your popular clique, which is composed of mean girls, for the most part.
I pretty much ignored them because I had Mila and Layne.
Mila played volleyball and hung out with the other players some.
Layne did the same with her soccer team and fellow debaters, while I was tight with the other drill team officers and my newspaper staff.
When we weren’t around those groups, the three of us were thick as thieves.
Have been since kindergarten. Thank goodness for technology because we have FaceTimed a few times a month all during college and our twenties.
In a way, it’s really remarkable that we’ve all returned to the Bay as adults and are still friends. ”
“Let’s get out,” he suggested.
They both exited the car, and she waved at Kylie, who waved right back, a big smile on her face.
“Piper Roberts! I can’t believe it’s you.”
They boarded the ferry, and Kylie enveloped her in a tight hug.
Kylie released her and said, “I heard you’d come back to the Bay. That you were a big-time performer.”
“I don’t know about that, but I did make my living appearing in musical productions all around the country.”
“You always had an amazing voice. I remember that talent show where you sang Defying Gravity. Your voice soared to the rafters, and you brought down the house. It was like hearing an angel.”
She had forgotten about winning the talent show her junior year and smiled fondly at the long-ago memory.
“I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing you sing,” Sullivan said. “You’ll need to do that for me.”
Kylie smiled at him. “Didn’t mean to ignore you, Sullivan.” She glanced around. “Looks like it’s just the two of you for this run.” She hollered, “Danny, go ahead and cast off.”
“Rodger that,” her brother called.
They took seats on the deck, and Kylie joined them, saying, “I’d really love to catch up with you, Piper. Mila and Layne, too. It’s wild that you Three Musketeers have all returned to the Bay. Maybe we can do dinner one night soon.”
“I’d really like that,” she said, wondering why a girl of Kylie’s looks and intelligence was back in the Bay, working for her family’s business. She would ask Mila what Kylie’s story was before they got together.
“Let’s trade phone numbers,” she suggested. “I’ll text the others about when we might be able to meet up. You do know Layne is getting married next week, don’t you?”
“I’d heard something about it,” Kylie confirmed. “To that handsome artist who opened the gallery by the water last year.”
“Yes. Keaton Maxwell,” Piper said, providing his name. “They’re going on a honeymoon to Italy and France, so if we don’t get together with her before, we can catch up with her once they’re back. Mila will be around, though.”
“Mila has really created a strong, competitive volleyball program,” Kylie said. “The town turns out for volleyball matches as much as they do for basketball and football these days.”
“I’m proud of all Mila’s accomplished,” she said.
“So, what takes you over to Tidewater?” Kylie asked, looking at her speculatively.
“Sullivan designed it. He’s going to show me a little of his work today,” she replied, not wanting to discuss her plans regarding seeking future employment at the resort.
“Once Tidewater opens in July, we’re going to be mega-busy,” Kylie said.
“I heard that a second ferry might be in the works,” Sullivan said.
Kylie nodded. “We’re in early negotiations now regarding that. I’ve taken too much of your time.”
“Give me your phone so I can input my number.” She handed her phone to Kylie, who passed over her cell before they traded back. “Enjoy seeing Tidewater. Hope to hear from you soon, Piper.”
Sullivan looked at her. “Even though Kylie is friendly, we’ve only said a few words in passing. You really know how to draw out people, Piper.” He smiled shyly. “Even me.”
She shrugged. “I just like being around people.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” he told her. “It’s a gift.”
They pulled up to the dock, and Sullivan got off the ferry first, holding out a hand to assist Piper. Kylie called goodbye to them, and Sullivan led her to a golf cart.
“This is how we get around. Climb aboard.”
She did so, and he started the cart, moving away from the water.
“How did you decide on this particular property?” she asked.
“It was all Zane’s idea. He still makes a point to visit his grandparents once a year.
On a trip to the Bay two years ago, he learned the island was finally for sale.
Things snowballed from there. We came down so I could see it in person.
I like to view the site if I can before I begin to draw up plans.
Of course, I meet with a committee of people and garner specifics as to how many rooms the resort will need to have.
The number of restaurants on the property.
That kind of thing. Then I’m pretty much given the freedom to design what I want.
I try to envision what I create in its environment and bring elements of the surroundings into my designs. ”
They crested a small hill, and Piper gasped. “You designed…all this?”
Sullivan smiled proudly. “This is one of my babies. It may be my favorite creation to date.”
He pulled the golf cart close to a set of others lined up. “Let’s go see Tidewater.”